Three days without television or internet. Three days without distractions. Three days of quiet.
I am working on a longish piece and will be sharing it with a critique group at the retreat. Although it's not finished, this will be the first chance for someone to say, "It's a steaming pile of poop." (If they do think it's crappy, I hope they see something redeeming in it so I can salvage something.)
What is your favorite place to write/think/de-stress?
And please, check my guest post out on The Muffin. After reading it, you might revel in your rejection...
I like outdoors. I usually start a piece outdoors, because nature inspires me. Have fun and watch those monks. I'm sure your writing will make everyone swoon.
ReplyDeleteLinda--
DeleteI guess it's true: you learn something new every day. I didn't know you start most your stories outdoors. Is THAT the key to getting published in zillions of publications? If so, I'm setting up a tent...
They might swoon, but the swaying might be due to nausea...I'll let you know what they think of my WWWP piece...
Sounds great Sioux! I'm taking my first writing retreat later in the month. I'm heading to Tangier because it's cheap, close (at least to where I live) and my next novel is set there. Have fun writing!
ReplyDeleteSean--
DeleteTangier? That sounds a lot more exotic and picturesque than Conception, Missouri. Color me green...
(And you always remember your first time. Have a great time writing. Perhaps next year we can trade. You go to the abbey and I'll go to Tangier?)
Well, then I'd have to write a novel set in an abbey instead of Tangier! Hmmm, I'll have to brush up on my theology.
DeleteThat sounds heavenly! I'd love to do that. I usually just write in my office at home. Sometimes I bring my laptop to work and stay late for a couple hours after everyone else has gone home. Quiet, no distractions.
ReplyDeleteLisa--It WAS heavenly. Yeah, I know how it is...Once everyone else is fast asleep/gone, THEN some writing can take place.
DeleteTwo of my favorite places to write are in the shower and on the road. It has to be done in my head, of course. But this is where a lot of my ideas pop up. Then I have to grab a little notebook as soon as I can, and jot down the main ideas for later.
ReplyDeleteVal--Maybe Hick can buy a waterproof notebook (do they have those?) so you can jot them down in the shower? And, a little tape recorder so you can dictate as you drive...
DeleteI am completely jealous. I do believe there is value in having a designated place to write with a specific purpose in mind. And I want to know more about this place!!!
ReplyDeleteMary--I think we need to organize a writing retreat there. It's north of St. Joseph, and their new guest building ensures their guests have their own bathroom and don't have to walk down the hall to shower. The food is the only downfall, but if you bring some snacks, when the dinner or lunch is not to your liking, you won't suffer. (There's always salad and fresh fruit, along with bread/rolls.)
DeleteYou can google Conception Abbey and check it out.
I've heard good things about Conception Abbey. Hope your writing retreat is fruitful--I also heard the monks there make fruitcake.
ReplyDelete